Refreshing Kiwi Cheesecake (Easy No-Bake Style!)

This Delightful Kiwi Cheesecake is a truly refreshing and unique dessert! It features a classic graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and a vibrant, jewel-like kiwi topping set with agar agar. I absolutely love the bright, tangy flavor of kiwi, and it shines beautifully in this Kiwi Cheesecake. It's a perfect dessert for spring gatherings, summer parties, or anytime you want a light, fruity, and elegant treat that doesn't require turning on the oven for the main filling.

Why You'll Love This Kiwi Cheesecake

• Refreshing Kiwi Flavor: Highlights the unique sweet-tart taste of fresh kiwi fruit.
• Creamy No-Bake Filling: The cheesecake filling is smooth, creamy, and requires no baking (only the crust is briefly baked).
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green kiwi topping makes this cheesecake visually stunning.
• Unique Texture: The agar agar topping creates a soft, jelly-like layer that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
• Perfect for Warmer Weather: A light and refreshing dessert option.

Ingredients for Kiwi Cheesecake

Here's what you'll need to make this refreshing cheesecake. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs (Crumb)
• Melted butter (Fat)

Cheesecake Filling

• Heavy whipping cream, divided (Dairy)
• Unflavored gelatin (Gelling Agent)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Cream cheese, softened (Dairy)
• Vanilla extract (Flavoring)

Kiwi Topping

• Kiwis, peeled and pureed (Fruit)
• Water (Liquid)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Agar agar powder (Gelling Agent)
• Green food coloring (optional) (Coloring)
• Kiwis, sliced for decoration (Fruit)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the unique flavor of this Kiwi Cheesecake, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Different Fruit Topping: Use pureed strawberries, mangoes, or passion fruit instead of kiwi for the topping. Adjust sugar as needed.
• Lime or Lemon: Add some lime or lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for extra tang.
• Coconut Crust: Use crushed coconut cookies or add shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust.
• Skip the Food Coloring: Omit the green food coloring for a more natural-looking kiwi topping.
• Use Gelatin instead of Agar Agar: If you can't find agar agar, you could experiment with gelatin for the topping, but the setting properties and texture will be different.

How to Make Kiwi Cheesecake

Let me show you how to make this delightful Kiwi Cheesecake:

Prepare the Crust

1. First, I preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. I mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter in a medium bowl until evenly moistened.
3. I press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan.
4. I bake the crust for 12 minutes. Afterward, I set it aside to cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a small bowl, I combine ¼ cup of the heavy cream with the gelatin powder and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften or "bloom."
2. I microwave this gelatin mixture for about 30 seconds (watch carefully!) and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, I whip the remaining heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
4. In a separate large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
5. I fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Then, I add the vanilla extract and mix well.
7. Finally, I stir in the cooled gelatin mixture until everything is thoroughly combined.

Assemble Cheesecake and Chill

1. I spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
2. I chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm. This no-bake Kiwi Cheesecake needs time to set properly.

Make the Kiwi Topping

1. I puree 4 peeled kiwis in a blender or food processor.
2. I combine the kiwi puree with water, sugar, agar agar powder, and green food coloring (if using) in a saucepan.
3. I heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and agar agar are completely dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer.
4. I let the kiwi topping cool slightly (for about 5-10 minutes) before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake.

Final Chill and Decorate

1. I pour the slightly cooled kiwi topping over the set cheesecake.
2. I refrigerate for another 30 minutes, or until the kiwi topping is set.
3. Before serving, I decorate the top with fresh sliced kiwis.

Serve

1. Serve chilled.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Kiwi Cheesecake

Here are my secrets for making this cheesecake truly exceptional:

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Bloom Gelatin Properly: Don't skip letting the gelatin soften in cold cream; this ensures it dissolves correctly.
• Cool Gelatin Mixture: Let the microwaved gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese filling to prevent scrambling.
• Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: This provides lightness to the no-bake filling. Use cold cream and a chilled bowl.
• Agar Agar Topping: Follow the instructions carefully for dissolving the agar agar. It sets differently than gelatin. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
• Long Chill Time: This cheesecake needs at least 8 hours (preferably overnight) to fully set and firm up.

How to Serve

This Kiwi Cheesecake is a stunning dessert perfect for:

• Spring and Summer Parties: Its refreshing flavor and vibrant color are ideal for warmer weather.
• Brunches: An elegant and unique addition to a brunch spread.
• Special Occasions: A beautiful dessert for birthdays or celebrations.
• After Dinner: A light and fruity alternative to heavier desserts.

Serve chilled, sliced with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

This cheesecake is excellent for making ahead! You can make the entire cheesecake up to 2 days in advance and store it, covered tightly, in the refrigerator. Add fresh kiwi slice garnish just before serving for best appearance. Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

FAQs about Kiwi Cheesecake

• Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
  • Yes, pureed strawberries, mangoes, or passion fruit would also work well with the agar agar topping method.
• What is agar agar and where can I find it?
  • Agar agar is a vegetarian/vegan gelling agent made from seaweed. You can usually find it in health food stores, Asian markets, or online.
• Can I make this in a regular pie dish instead of a springform pan?
  • Yes, a 9 or 10-inch deep-dish pie plate would work, but you won't be able to remove the sides like with a springform pan.

Enjoy this refreshing, creamy, and beautiful Delightful Kiwi Cheesecake! It's a unique and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.

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